Crispy Taiwanese Street-Style Chicken Bites
Experience the vibrant flavors of Taiwan with these irresistible Crispy Taiwanese Street-Style Chicken Bites! Perfectly marinated in a blend of garlic, ginger, and fragrant spices, these bite-sized chicken pieces are coated in sweet potato starch for an unbeatable crunch. Whether enjoyed as a snack or shared at a gathering, these delicacies bring the authentic taste of Taiwanese night markets to your kitchen. Customize the level of saltiness by adjusting the soy sauce to your liking, and if you can't find sweet potato starch, corn or potato starch can be substitutions, though they will slightly alter the texture. Enjoy this delightful treat that captures the essence of Taiwan's street food culture!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts
2 (medium, cut into 1-inch cubes)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Ginger
1/2 teaspoon (grated)
Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon
Sugar
2 teaspoons
Rice Wine
1/2 tablespoon
Chinese Five Spice Powder
1/2 teaspoon
Sesame Oil
1 teaspoon
Sweet Potato Starch
1/2 cup (for coating)
Vegetable Oil
as needed (for frying)
White Pepper
to taste
Salt
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl.
2
In a separate bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil. Mix well to create a marinade.
3
Pour the marinade over the chicken cubes and stir gently to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and roll each piece in sweet potato starch, ensuring even coverage. This will create the signature crispy outer layer when fried.
5
In a deep frying pan or pot, heat vegetable oil to approximately 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is ready, sprinkle a little sweet potato starch into the oil. If it sinks and then rises to the surface, the oil is hot enough.
6
Carefully drop the chicken pieces into the hot oil one at a time, frying in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the chicken for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, turning them over at least once for even cooking.
7
Once done, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. While still hot, sprinkle with white pepper and salt to taste.
8
Serve hot and enjoy these crispy Taiwanese chicken bites as a snack or appetizer!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Taiwanese Street-Style Chicken Bites?
They are a popular Taiwanese night market snack consisting of bite-sized chicken marinated in aromatic spices and coated in starch for a signature crunch.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade is a blend of minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to thoroughly meld.
What provides the signature crispy texture?
Coating the chicken in sweet potato starch before frying creates the unbeatable signature crunch.
Can I use a substitute for sweet potato starch?
Yes, corn starch or potato starch can be used as substitutions, though the final texture will be slightly different.
At what temperature should I fry the chicken?
The vegetable oil should be heated to approximately 350°F (175°C).
How can I test the oil temperature without a thermometer?
Sprinkle a small amount of sweet potato starch into the oil; if it sinks and then rises to the surface, the oil is hot enough.
How long does it take to fry the chicken bites?
The chicken typically takes about 2-3 minutes to become golden brown and cooked through.
Why should I fry the chicken in small batches?
Frying in small batches avoids overcrowding the pan, which helps maintain the oil temperature for even cooking.
What seasoning is used after frying?
Immediately after frying and draining, the chicken is sprinkled with white pepper and salt to taste.
How do I adjust the saltiness of the dish?
You can customize the level of saltiness by adjusting the amount of soy sauce used in the marinade.
Is Chinese five-spice powder necessary?
It is a key ingredient that provides the fragrant and authentic flavor profile of Taiwanese street food.
What size should the chicken pieces be?
The chicken should be cut into medium 1-inch cubes for the best bite-sized experience.
How do I remove excess oil from the fried chicken?
Place the finished chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
What is the purpose of rice wine in the marinade?
Rice wine adds depth of flavor and helps tenderize the chicken during the marination process.
Should the chicken be turned while frying?
Yes, turn the pieces over at least once during the 2-3 minute frying time to ensure even browning.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
While the recipe calls for breasts, thighs can be used but may require slightly different cooking times.
What role does sesame oil play?
Sesame oil is added to the marinade for its distinct nutty aroma and flavor.
Is this dish served as an appetizer?
Yes, it is perfectly suited as a snack, appetizer, or shared dish for gatherings.
What type of oil is recommended for frying?
Vegetable oil is recommended for frying these chicken bites.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 12 ingredients including the chicken, marinade components, starch, and final seasonings.
Can I make this recipe less sweet?
You can reduce the 2 teaspoons of sugar in the marinade if a less sweet profile is preferred.
How do I ensure even coating of the starch?
Roll each marinated chicken piece individually in the sweet potato starch to ensure full coverage.
Is white pepper essential?
White pepper provides a specific sharp heat that is traditional for this Taiwanese dish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe uses 2 chicken breasts, typically serving as a snack for 2-4 people depending on portion size.
What is the preparation for the fresh ginger?
The ginger should be finely grated to integrate well into the liquid marinade.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic should be minced into small pieces before being added to the marinade.
Can I store and reheat these bites?
While best enjoyed fresh and hot, they can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to restore some crispness.
What does this dish represent in Taiwanese culture?
It captures the essence of the vibrant street food culture found in Taiwan's famous night markets.